POLLUTANT CHEMISTRY

BY

OLUDELE LYDIA BOSE

HMBF/18/0070

A SEMINAR REPORT

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR

THE AWARD OF HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA

TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY IN THE SCHOOL OF

PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCE. OGUN STATE INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY IGBESA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.

DECEMBER 2019
 INTRODUCTION
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause
adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such
as noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign
substances/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed
as point source or nonpoint source pollution. In 2015, pollution killed 9 million
people in the world.
Major forms of pollution include: Air pollution, light pollution, littering, noise
pollution, plastic pollution, soil contamination, radioactive contamination, thermal
pollution, visual pollution, water pollution.
Chemical pollution is the introduction of substances into the environment (by man)
that are liable to harm human health, living resources and ecological systems,
damage structures or generally interfere with the legitimate use of the environment.
The burning of coal and wood, and the presence of many horses in concentrated
areas made the cities the primary sources of pollution. The Industrial Revolution
brought an infusion of untreated chemicals and wastes into local streams that served
as the water supply. King Edward I of England banned the burning of sea-coal by
proclamation in London in 1272, after its smoke became a problem; the fuel was so
common in England that this earliest of names for it was acquired because it could
be carted away from some shores by the wheelbarrow.
It was the Industrial Revolution that gave birth to environmental pollution as we
know it today. London also recorded one of the earlier extreme cases of water quality
problems with the Great Stink on the Thames of 1858, which led to construction of
the London sewerage system soon afterward. Pollution issues escalated as
population growth far exceeded viability of neighborhoods to handle their waste
problem. Reformers began to demand sewer systems and clean water.

COST OF POLLUTION
Pollution has a cost. Manufacturing activities that cause air pollution impose health
and clean-up costs on the whole of society, whereas the neighbors of an individual
who chooses to fire-proof his home may benefit from a reduced risk of a fire
spreading to their own homes. A manufacturing activity that causes air pollution is
an example of a negative externality in production. A negative externality in
production occurs “when a firm’s production reduces the well-being of others who
are not compensated by the firm." For example, if a laundry firm exists near a
polluting steel manufacturing firm, there will be increased costs for the laundry firm
because of the dirt and smoke produced by the steel manufacturing firm. If external
costs exist, such as those created by pollution, the manufacturer will choose to
produce more of the product than would be produced if the manufacturer were
required to pay all associated environmental costs. Because responsibility or
consequence for self-directed action lies partly outside the self, an element of
externalization is involved. If there are external benefits, such as in public safety,
less of the good may be produced than would be the case if the producer were to
receive payment for the external benefits to others. However, goods and services that
involve negative externalities in production, such as those that produce pollution,
tend to be over-produced and underpriced since the externality is not being priced
into the market.
Pollution can also create costs for the firms producing the pollution. Sometimes
firms choose, or are forced by regulation, to reduce the amount of pollution that they
are producing. The associated costs of doing this are called abatement costs, or
marginal abatement costs if measured by each additional unit. In 2005 pollution
abatement capital expenditures and operating costs in the US amounted to nearly
$27 billion.
DEFINITION
CHEMICAL POLLUTION
Chemical pollution is defined as the presence or increase in our environment of
chemical pollutants that are not naturally present there or are found in amounts
higher than their natural background values. Most of the chemicals that pollute the
environment are man-made, resulted from the various activities in which toxic
chemicals are used for various purposes.

CHEMICAL INTOXICATION is caused by exposure to chemical pollutants and

can have immediate effects or delayed effects, which may appear after weeks or even
months after the exposure occurred. Severe chemical intoxication may cause the
death of the person that inhales an increased quantity of such substances.
CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS are organic or inorganic chemicals that are the main
causes of chemical pollution. The most common chemical pollutants are those
compounds used across large areas and which are persistent, meaning they do not
easily degrade in nature. Examples are most pesticides, herbicides, insecticides used
in agriculture and gardening, as well as chlorinated solvents used in many industrial
processes and dry-cleaning activities.

Based on their chemical structure, chemical contaminants can be classified into

naturally-occurring and man-made categories. They can be organic or inorganic
(organic compounds always contain carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds, whereas
most inorganic compounds do not contain carbon)

Chemicals That Cause Water Pollution

Pesticides and fertilizers that contain nitrates and phosphates are a source of
chemicals that cause water pollution.
Pesticides and fertilizers that contain nitrates and phosphates are a source of
chemicals that cause water pollution. These chemicals seep into the groundwater and
mix with runoff moving to lakes and rivers.
Industrial emissions can also cause water pollution. An example is mercury in waste
water from paper manufacturers. Instead of remaining inert as expected, the mercury
reacted to bacteria in the water and changed to methyl mercury. Now, mercury levels
in fish such as swordfish can pose dangers to people who eat it.

Chemicals that Cause Air Pollution

A major source of chemical pollution in the air is fossil fuels burned by utilities,
industries and motor vehicles.
A major source of chemical pollution in the air is fossil fuels burned by utilities,
industries and motor vehicles.
Sulfur dioxide is produced when coal is burned. It is an ingredient of acid rain and
can cause lung damage to people who breathe large amounts of it.
Nitrogen oxides are a byproduct of motor vehicles such as cars, trucks and airplanes.
These oxides are also an ingredient of acid rain and can cause lung damage to people
over time. Other chemicals that cause air pollution include ozone, carbon monoxide
and lead.
Chemical Pollution in Soil
Chemical pollution in soil can be caused by overuse of fertilizers, pesticides and
herbicides.
Chemical pollution in soil can be caused by overuse of fertilizers, pesticides and
herbicides. Construction and demolition sites are also sources of soil pollution, as
are mines, landfills and foundries.

EXAMPLES OF CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS

Chemical pollutants mostly result from various human activities like the
manufacturing, handling, storing, and disposing of chemicals. These occur in
industrial places and activities such as oil refineries, coal power plants, construction,
mining & smelting, transportation, agricultural use of pesticides and insecticides, as
well as household activities.

The chemical industry is another example in this sense, mainly because it is usually
linked to polluted waste streams. In fact, the waste streams from chemical industry
are now strictly controlled and treated before being released into the environment.
But this was not always the case in the past and many rivers and surface water bodies
were contaminated by the numerous waste streams coming from various chemical
plants, as well as other industrial sources. Even though measures were taken to
reduce this type of pollution, its effects are still visible.

Household chemicals involve a variety of chemical products and mixtures that can
easily become chemical pollutants when released into the environment. Even the
everyday detergents are chemical compounds that may pollute our environment!
Read the labels of detergent products to confirm that they contain a variety of
potentially hazardous chemicals.
ROLES OF CHEMICAL POLLUTION
When toxic chemicals and metals enter the environment, organisms may absorb
them through their skin or ingest them in their food or water. Animals higher in the
food chain accumulate these toxins in higher and higher concentrations, a process
called bio magnification. Pollutants may cause lesions, alter liver function or darken
the skin. Chemical pollutants may also trigger asthma symptoms in those diagnosed
with the disease. Exposure to chemical pollution can also lead to headaches, upper
respiratory infections, dizziness and nose, throat or eye irritations.

THE EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL POLLUTION

Chemical pollution can be caused by a variety of chemicals from a variety of sources
and can involve a variety of health effects from simple digestive problems to
chemical intoxication and sudden death by poisoning. The effects are usually related
to the exposure to high amounts of chemicals. Chemical pollution leads to various
serious diseases, generally by consuming poisonous food, drinking highly
contaminated water, or breathing highly contaminated air.

Chemical intoxication can have severe health effects that may trigger immediate
symptoms and diseases or delayed effects which may appear after weeks or months
since the exposure occurred. This is based on the type of pollutants and on the
amounts to which you are exposed. CAUTION, never assume that all is OK if no
health effects appear immediately!

Various chemical pollutants may accumulate in the aquatic sediments over longer
periods of time. This means that, if no tests are performed, chemical pollution in the
ocean water could pose serious health risks to the ecosystem and ultimately could
cause mild or deadly chemical intoxication in humans after the consumption of
contaminated fish or seafood. However, there are prevention tips you can follow to
minimize exposure to chemical pollution.
USES OF CHEMICAL
1. Body
Body is made up of chemical compounds, which are combinations of elements.
Probably know body is mostly water, which is hydrogen and oxygen,
2. Health Care and Beauty
The diagnostic tests carried out in laboratories, the prognostic estimations, medical
prescriptions, pills, the vaccines, the antibiotics play very vital role in health
monitoring, control of diseases and in alleviating the sufferings of the humanity.
Right from birth control to enhancement of life expectancy- all have been made
possible using the unequivocal services of Chemistry. From simple sterilization
surgical instruments with antiseptic solution to Chemotherapy and Genome
sequencing are all nothing but applications of Chemistry. Injecting cows, buffaloes,
goat and sheep with bovine some towrope Increases milk-production but it is
indiscriminately being used by sportspersons to un-ethically enhance performance.
Aging- a chemical change can only be checked chemically. Most beauty products
are produced through chemical synthesis to clean, nurture and protect skins.
However, their certain ingredients are hazardous to our health in the long run.

3. Industries and Transport

From cloth mills, lather factories, petro-chemical industries and refineries to metal
industries- all use numerous fuels for power generation and chemical products for
processing their product and improve the equality and simultaneously produce
pollution. Now-a-days chemical effluent treatment plants use chemicals to control
or neutralist he hazardous impact of pollutants produced by the industries. Aviation
and shipping industries generate power through power plants which burn fuels.
Petrol and diesel emit out greenhouse gases dangerous for the survival on earth
which damage the ozone layer that protects us from UV rays. As a result, global
warming has taken place which is a destroyer of the planet earth. But again
Chemistry paves the way with bio-fuels.
4. Food Security and Agriculture
The famous green revolution to increase agricultural produce so as to ensure food
security was triggered by the advent of inorganic fertilizers. Since then fertilizers are
extensively used by farmers to restore the fertility of soil in the fields. Pesticides are
used to protect the crop during farming and preserve the grains from pests, rats and
mice during storage. Genetically modified seeds which are used to enhance
production and earn profits through export of food grains are agricultural
applications of Bio-chemistry. Whereas refrigeration system for cold storage of
vegetables and raw meat uses Poly Urethanes Foam (PUF) and the chemical
properties of gases, the preservatives in packaged food products are known to have
adverse impact on our body.
5. Science and Technology
The destructive effects of Atom Bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
Generations in Japan have suffered the devastation and their has-been no solace. The
threat of weapons of mass-destruction (WMDs) like the Nuclear, Chemical and
Biological weapons looms large on the Humanity. Terrorists are using RDX and
other explosives to run currents of fear down the spines across the globe. Nuclear
reactors which are going to serve the future generations through power generation
leave us with the problem of Nuclear Waste Management. Whereas the destructive
power is generated through chains of chemical reactions, we remain assured that
Chemistry has facilitated the chain of counter measures too in the form of safety
suites and NBC resistant bunkers. Forensic science- the comprehensive scientific
analysis of material evidence in the context of the law uses principles of chemistry
to facilitate crime investigation. Tele-communications, Information Technology and
Space Missions- all bank on the chemistry of semi-conductor sand Nano-tubes.
6 Cooking
Chemistry explains how food changes as we cook it, how it rots, how to preserve
food, how our body uses the food eats, and how ingredients interact to make food.
7 Cleaning
Part of the importance of chemistry is it explains how cleaning works. we use
chemistry to help decide what cleaner is best for dishes, laundry, yourself, and your
home. we use chemistry when use bleaches and disinfectants and even ordinary soap
and water. How do they work? That's chemistry!
8 Medicine
it is very need to understand basic chemistry so that we can understand how vitamins,
supplements, and drugs can help or harm us. Part of the importance’s of chemistry
lies in developing and testing new medical treatments and medicines.
9. Environmental Issues
Chemistry is at the heart of environmental issues. What makes one chemical a
nutrient and another chemical a pollutant? How we can clean up the environment?
What processes can produce the things our need without harming the environment?
We're all chemists. We use chemicals every day and perform chemical reactions
without thinking much about them. Chemistry is important because everything you
do is chemistry! Even our body is made of chemicals. Chemical reactions occur
when we breathe, eat, or just sit there reading. All matter is made of chemicals, so
the importance of chemistry is that it's the study of everything.
TREATMENT OF CHEMICAL
Chemical pollution is harmful to humans, animals and the environment. Acid rain,
ozone depletion and greenhouse gases can be limited by taking the necessary steps
in your own household to prevent such pollution. Nearly everything humans do
affects air, water and soil quality. The goal of preventing chemical pollution can be
achieved, but requires public education, a change in mindset and alteration of
longtime, ingrained operating procedures.
At Home
Use products that have been produced in a way that has reduced waste. Buy recycled
products. Buy durable products that use the least packaging possible. Buy only as
much chemical product as you need.
Use household chemicals and products before they go bad or reach their expiration
date. Give away things such as paint and chemicals to people who will use them.
Recycle, reuse or donate liquids from automobiles. Do not pour them down the drain
or throw them away in the regular trash.
On the Job
Keep your work area clean and well labeled if your company uses chemicals. Keep
containers well sealed and have them inspected to make sure there is no
contamination and no leaks. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources says,
"Keep waste streams separate for re-use, recycling or treatment. Keep nonhazardous
materials from becoming contaminated."
Work to see that your company becomes involved in the industrial-waste exchange
program. Use recycled and non-toxic substances whenever possible. Invest more in
hazardous-waste programs. Use energy-efficient lighting and low-flow toilets.
Create incentives for employees to car pool and manage the company's vehicle use.
Reduce the use of motor vehicles whenever possible.
Make sure employees are given directions for working with specific chemicals. Run
frequent tests and offer classes and information sessions to keep your workers up to
date on proper movement, storage and disposal techniques for chemicals.
Use non-toxic and non-chemical solutions and products whenever possible

CONTROL OF POLLUTANT CHEMISTRY

Recycle, reuse or donate liquids from automobiles. Do not pour them down the drain
or throw them away in the regular trash. Limit the use of your cars and motor
vehicles. Riding a bike or taking public transportation will help reduce the amount
of chemicals put into the air.
We have little control on the pollution outside. But when it comes to our homes, we
should be able to live in a healthier environment. Unfortunately, our lifestyle choices
can cause a great deal of pollution in the indoor environment as well. Learn some
ways you can prevent chemical pollution for you and your family in this post.

Toxins in your home exposes your family to relatively minor health irritants such as
eye irritation, nasal congestion, headaches, and dizziness, to major health risks such
as cancer and damage to the liver or central nervous system. The young and the
elderly are at a higher risk of developing these health conditions.
Chemicals and dust pollution exists everywhere in our homes, from the couch,
mattresses, Teflon kitchen pans, hand wash liquids, and detergents, to the vinyl
shower curtains, carpets, canned foods, and perfumes. Although it is difficult
eliminate presence of chemicals in our home we can do many simple things to live
in a cleaner, healthier home.
Once a chemical is made the chemical pollution has started. Even if it is neutralized
somehow it will still be dumped into nature. There are very few manmade chemicals
that can be neutralized to yield just water and something like it. In making a specific
chemical on average up to 90 percent is waste that needs to be got rid of by the
manufacturer. Byproducts are a very big problem.
You also need to understand that even things like shampoo, cosmetics, drugs we
take, food additives are all chemicals that in using we wash down the drain.
Yes, there are treatment plants to neutralize some but to do this extra chemical might
be needed and the output might be less dangerous but in the context of your question
but they are still chemicals.
You may think biodegradable processes fix this. No. This method is again just a way
to convert it to a more acceptable chemical to the environment.
So unless nature makes it and we use this only, you will be polluting with chemicals.
One way is to collect all our waste and store it somewhere. The moon maybe.

HOW TO REDUCE THE PRESENCE OF TOXINS AT HOME?

1. Reduce levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOC’s are harmful

chemicals found in several home products (for instance new carpets, paint, plywood
and pressed wood products, air fresheners, deodorants, and tobacco). You can
minimize exposure to VOC’s by doing the following-

Stop smoking inside the home.

Avoid buying high VOC products like pressed wood. Instead, buy solid wood or old
furniture.
Improve the ventilation in your home. When possible keep the doors and windows
open. Place an air-purifier in the house.
Controlling the humidity can lower the presence of some VOC’s. Use a
dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels in check.
2. Filter your drinking water Even if you stay in an area where the water quality is
good, there can be small traces of contaminants such as lead, chlorine, E. coli,
pesticides in the water. Filtering the water can remove these pollutants.

3. Use chemical free cleaning products Most standard home cleaning products have
harsh chemicals that are bad not only for the health of your family, but also pollute
the rivers and lakes when washed down the drain. As an alternative to this chemical
products, try the following –
Use natural home cleaning solutions such as baking soda, lemon, and vinegar.
Use microfiber cloths to dust your home without the use of chemical sprays
Switch to chemical free laundry powder.
Use nontoxic, environmentally friendly home cleaning products.

4. Reduce toxins in your garden

Ask your lawn service to use pesticides and fertilizers that contain fewer chemicals.
Use only as much fertilizer as needed. Purchase a soil-test kit from your local garden
store to determine when the fertilizer needs to be added.
CONCLUSION
A chemical pollutant manifests itself through the effects it produces on the living
organisms, from extinction of species to human illness. The people of Minamata Bay
in Japan had been sick and dying from mercury poisoning over the course of many
years until the cause of the sickness became associated with consumption of local
seafood contaminated with methylmercury. The source of pollution was the local
chemical factory discharging untreated wastewater into the sea. Only after in Flint,
MI, children started showing the symptoms of lead poisoning did the lead
concentrations in their tap water receive serious attention. But this was too late for
many.
Chemical pollution damages the environment and poses both short-term and long-
term health dangers to human beings. Chemical pollution occurs when chemicals
resulting from human activities enter the environment, contaminating air, water or
soil. Acid rain, greenhouse gases and ozone are all examples of chemical pollution.
Using alternative fuels helps prevent pollution, Individuals can help prevent
chemical pollution by making simple changes in their habits and activities. Some
ways you can prevent chemical pollution include buying only the chemicals you
need, buying the least harmful or least hazardous products, mixing and applying
pesticides at the proper concentration and using alternative fuels.
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